The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) has unveiled its strategic plans for fiscal year 2024–2025. On April 2, the SVS Executive Board (EB) and Strategic Board of Directors (SBOD) approved the budget presented by SVS Treasurer Thomas Forbes, MD. The budget culminated efforts by more than 30 SVS committees, task forces and sections, and reflects a strategic alignment with the organization’s top priorities.
At the forefront of the SVS’s agenda is the launch of a comprehensive branding campaign for vascular surgery. With an initial allocation exceeding $1 million, this initiative aims to enhance visibility and deliver focused messaging across various stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, referring doctors, healthcare executives, and medical school faculty and students. A collaboration with the Association of Program Directors in Vascular Surgery (APDVS) underscores SVS’s commitment to fostering a robust network within the medical community.
“One of the most important elements of success in strategy implementation is directly tying priorities to the budget allocation process,” noted SVS Executive Director Kenneth M. Slaw, PhD.
The approved budget includes investments across SVS’ strategic domains. In advocacy, plans are underway to host a biennial LIVE Advocacy Leadership training event in Washington, D.C., alongside continuous advocacy and leadership skill development for SVS members. Education initiatives are set to evolve with enhancements to the Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM), the introduction of new educational forums and the launch of a revamped model for the sixth edition of the Vascular Education and Self-Assessment Program (VESAP6).
Research endeavors will see the inception of two new task forces focused on innovation in vascular surgery and SVS-driven clinical trials. Practice-related investments include convening writing groups to address key topics, such as the economics of vascular practice and refining vascular surgery for pediatric patients.
To reinforce quality assurance measures, the SVS will continue to promote the Vascular Verification Program (VVP), a collaboration with the American College of Surgery (ACS) on a “center of excellence” model, and propose new vascular surgery performance measures for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Value Pathways (MVPs) program.
As part of efforts to strengthen vascular surgery as an independent specialty, the SVS will also undertake a thorough examination of the Board certification model.
Notably, the SVS will establish a new senior section to enhance engagement among senior members and provide tailored education on pertinent topics.
The SVS is poised to lead and inspire advancements in vascular surgery, driving innovation and excellence in patient care.
“A budget tells the story of where an organization is headed, and it looks to be an exciting one for the SVS the next several years,” said Slaw.
